Audi is stepping up its F1 program by moving to the UK

Audi F1 launches new UK site: the full details on CAR

► Audi F1 to open Bicester site
► Will support existing Hinwil HQ
► Designed to attract tech partners and talent

Audi will join the F1 grid in 2026, but it’s just made its biggest move yet. In a statement released today, Sauber Motorsport (which Audi will take over next year) has revealed it’ll be opening a new technology centre in Bicester. That puts it bang in the middle of ‘Motorsport Valley,’ (the traditional home of most F1 teams) just before its transition to Audi F1. 

According to a statement, the new facility won’t replace Sauber’s existing Hinwil base in Switzerland, but support it. In addition to forging links with the specialist companies and expertise that exists in ‘Motorsport Valley’ the new base will also act as a hub to attract new and upcoming talent. After all, not everyone wants to move to Switzerland for work – nor Maranello for that matter. 

‘The opening of the Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre at Bicester Motion is a significant milestone as we prepare for Audi’s arrival in Formula 1’ said the head of Audi F1 project, Mattia Binotto. As the ex-team principal of Ferrari, he’s no stranger to trying to drag motorsport talent abroad. Perhaps this move

‘This facility will allow us to tap into the talent pool in Motorsport Valley and further strengthen our technical capabilities while being part of a thriving cluster at Bicester Motion where you live and breathe motorsport. The support it will play to Hinwil will be important to our long-term success.’

Sauber/Audi will use Building 123 in the heart of Motorsport Valley, but more specifically on the 444-acres of the Bicester Motion estate. ‘It is thrilling that Bicester Motion has been chosen as their UK base connecting into their Swiss and German operations to support their vision to deliver sustainability, innovation, and maximum performance in motorsport,’ said Daniel Geoghegan, the Bicester Motion CEO.

‘They join many other pioneering automotive and aviation companies, along with Motorsport UK, the governing body of this great industry, already based here. We look forward to seeing their team develop and their transformation on and off the track continue.’

Curtis Moldrich is CAR magazine’s Digital Editor and has worked for the brand for the past five years. He’s responsible for online strategy, including CAR’s website, social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and helps on wider platform strategy as CAR magazine branches out on to Apple News+ and more.

By Curtis Moldrich

CAR's Digital Editor, F1 and sim-racing enthusiast. Partial to clever tech and sports bikes